I received an email this week from a woman who requested a tour of the studio, to find out about shared personal training. Her subject line caught my eye. It read, "I am ready to make a change."

I felt like raising my hands up and shouting, "I've been there! I know that feeling. Let's get started!"

It takes getting to that point, doesn't it? I remember two very distinct moments in my life where I recognized that my way wasn't working and I needed to make a change. It's a humbling moment, isn't it? My way wasn't working.

How scary. How vulnerable. Is there a way that does work? Or am I out of chances? Maybe I'm just broken and it doesn't work for me. Is there something wrong with me?

So scary. And confusing.

But I realized that diets, self-loathing, and my broken body image were stealing my peace and happiness. My way wasn't working. So, I called a trainer. His name is Jud. (He is now the owner of The Yoga Factory in Westerville.) I called him because I worked with a woman named Paula who was training with him, and her arms looked amazing. Plus she spoke highly of him, which gave me a sense of trust in that vulnerable moment.

It was February of 2002 when I made the call. I still remember it 14 years later, because it was an important moment for me. I was ready to make a change. I asked him how much a personal training session cost, and he said $300. Damn! Two seconds later he chuckled and said it was $35 per session. I laughed and said sign me up.

There was nothing to think about. I was at the point where money wasn't going to stop me. My schedule wasn't going to stop me. My job wasn't going to stop me. My fear wasn't going to stop me. I was ready to make a change. Do you know that feeling?

I started strength training for the first time in my life. WOW! Or should I say, KAPOW! Lifting weights is a game-changer. Not only does it change your body, it helps heal the mind. It starts changing those old, worn out beliefs about not being good enough. You simply can't feel bad about yourself when you just got done lifting weights like a bad a$$.

Do you know that feeling?

There are many changes to be made on the road to health and fitness. I had to change a lot. I started with lifting. Then I learned how to do cardio correctly. (Yes, there is a wrong way to do it that leaves you feeling depleted instead of energized.) Then, when I was ready, I took a look at my food and drink, how I handled my stress, and what I believed about my life and my worth. I was ready. My old way didn't work. But I wasn't out of chances, and it wasn't too late.

You may be new to fitness, or it may have been part of your life for years. There are many layers of healing and empowerment available. Do you want more? Are you ready to make a change? If so, you'll know it, because those old excuses will no longer hold any power over you. Money, schedule, work, fear. I don't think so. Not this girl, not anymore. It's my time, my turn, my life. I. Am. Ready.